Duke's Caleb Foster wills team to Sweet 16 win despite fractured foot

The Blue Devils guard played a crucial role off the bench to help Duke advance to the Elite Eight.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:55am

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Caleb Foster, a Duke guard, played a pivotal role in the team's 80-75 win over St. John's in the Sweet 16 despite having a recently fractured foot. Foster scored 11 points and had 2 assists in 18 minutes off the bench, providing a calming presence and making key plays down the stretch to will the Blue Devils to victory after they had fallen behind by 10 points in the second half.

Why it matters

Foster's gutsy performance showcased his leadership and determination, as he defied doctors' expectations to return to the court just two weeks after undergoing surgery on his fractured foot. His ability to steady the team and make winning plays was crucial for Duke, which is now one step closer to the Final Four.

The details

With Duke trailing by 10 points in the second half, Foster checked into the game and immediately scored 7 consecutive points to spark a comeback. He helped calm his teammates and organize the offense, drawing praise from coach Jon Scheyer for his poise and experience in big moments. Foster had not played five-on-five with the team since suffering the injury, but he was determined to get back on the court and help Duke advance.

  • On March 7, Foster fractured his foot in a game against rival North Carolina.
  • On March 8, he had surgery on the fractured foot.
  • Doctors told Foster he could return in two weeks, but he was determined to play sooner.

The players

Caleb Foster

A guard for Duke University's basketball team who played a crucial role in the team's Sweet 16 win over St. John's despite having a recently fractured foot.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke University basketball team, who praised Foster's gutsy performance and leadership in the game.

Cam Boozer

A Duke player who had a double-double in the game, and noted that he knew Foster was back in the game when he scored 4 straight points.

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What they’re saying

“He had no business playing in this game. There are no analytics, no statistics to measure how big his heart is for what he did tonight.”

— Jon Scheyer, Head Coach, Duke University

“When he scored four times in a row, that was definitely the moment.”

— Cam Boozer, Duke Player

What’s next

Duke will face the winner of the Gonzaga vs. UCLA matchup in the Elite Eight, with a chance to advance to the Final Four on the line.

The takeaway

Caleb Foster's gutsy performance in the Sweet 16 despite a recent foot injury showcased his leadership, experience, and determination to will his team to victory. His ability to steady the Blue Devils and make winning plays when they needed it most was crucial in their comeback win, and it will be important for Duke as they continue their NCAA Tournament run.